What is planning?

Understanding planning

Planning is the process through which people, businesses and government come together to protect, grow and shape their cities, towns and regions. Cities and neighbourhoods are constantly changing and evolving. Planning is how we guide this change to create great communities and places in which we can live, work and play.

It’s a dynamic field that’s all about improving quality of life and creating vibrant communities in which people love to live, work and play.

Good Planning:

• creates more accessible, equitable, efficient and beautiful communities
• provides adequate housing and services
• gives future generations realistic and fair opportunities
• helps communities, governments and the private sector envision how their community can grow and develop

Become A Planner Campaign

PIA runs an ongoing campaign promoting planning as a career choice. Explore the campaign website and get involved!

What do planners do?

They balance the built and natural environment, community needs, cultural significance and economic sustainability to create better places and public spaces for everyone to enjoy.

Planners work in areas as diverse as the communities they shape

From housing, energy, health and education, to communications, leisure, tourism and transport. They assess proposals and create policies to guide future development.

Planners can specialise in:

• Urban development
• Regional and rural planning
• Development assessment and land use
• Social and community-based planning
• Urban design and place-making
• Environmental planning and natural resources management
• Transport planning
• Heritage and conservation
• Neighbourhood and urban renewal
• Infrastructure and services planning
• International development

Planners work in a range of sectors in Australia and overseas, including:

• Local, State and Federal Government
• Private consultancy
• Property development
• University research and teaching

Is planning for you?

If you’re interested in geography, design, environmental science, politics, law, architecture, property development or people, a career in planning could be perfect for you.

Do you want to shape the world?

Planning is one of the few professions where you get to make your mark in history and shape a better world.

Do you care about people and the environment?

From water management to climate change and conservation, planners can work in roles that reduce our impact on the environment, ensuring the future prosperity of our cities.

Are you a strategic thinker?

Planners need to analyse and evaluate key information objectively to decide which areas need to be addressed. Then, they’ll strategise a plan and implement it.

Are you creative?

Planners create innovative, adaptable and creative solutions to meet the requirements of its people, natural resources and environment.

Are you a team player?

Planners collaborate with local government, environmental advisors, architects, engineers, technical experts, economists and other professionals to develop strategies and implement their plans.

Are you a great communicator?

Planners need to present information and ideas clearly and concisely to different stakeholders.